Summary

  • "Remain on high alert”, the prime minister is understood to have told an emergency meeting this evening

  • Keir Starmer said there is "no doubt" rapid sentencing and the correct deployment of officers acted as a deterrent to further disorder, the BBC understands

  • More people have been jailed in connection with the week of unrest, with nearly 500 people now arrested, 140 charged, and a further 21 convictions today

  • Elsewhere, a suspended Labour councillor is arrested on suspicion of encouraging murder after comments made at a London counter-protest

Media caption,

Police bodycam shows officers under attack at riot

  1. About 20 gatherings planned for Thursday, policing body sayspublished at 15:19 British Summer Time 8 August

    While some small demonstrations have already taken place today - see our last post - the National Police Chiefs' Council is now saying there are 20 potential gatherings and three counter-protests planned for Thursday.

    More than 160 demonstrations were initially planned for Wednesday, but about 36 ended up taking place, according to the policing body. That's less than a quarter of the planned demonstrations going ahead.

    Gavin Stephens, the police body's chairman, said during a media briefing a bit earlier that last night's counter-protests were a rejection of the violence and disorder that came before them.

    "I think what we saw last night was a loud and clear message from communities that they'd had enough, that there's no place for hate, that there's no place for violence," said Stephens.

    Gavin Stephens speaks outside Downing StreetImage source, Reuters
  2. Heavy police presence in Barnsley as two opposing demonstrations stand offpublished at 15:01 British Summer Time 8 August

    Lucy Manning
    Special correspondent, reporting from Barnsley

    A line of police officers, taken side-on.

    There are two demonstrations happening in Barnsley, with a small group of anti-immigration protesters stood on one side of the street with a group of counter protesters on the other.

    There is a heavy police presence with more than half a dozen police vans. The number of officers almost outnumbering the demonstrators.

    We spoke to some of those who had come to protest against immigration. They insisted they weren’t racist or far right.

    “I’m just right about it,” said one woman on her views that there shouldn’t be any more immigration.

    They spoke of the pressure of immigration on housing and GPs, saying politicians had to stop the boats.

    Debbie spoke about relatives who came from India and her mixed-race extended family but insisted she would continue to speak out on immigration. “This island is sinking,” she says.

    She condemned the violence at the protests but claimed she had seen police brutality towards those demonstrating on her side at the weekend.

  3. Met Police investigate video of Labour councillor at Walthamstow protestpublished at 14:40 British Summer Time 8 August

    Michael Keohan
    BBC Kent political reporter

    As we reported earlier, Labour has suspended Dartford councillor Ricky Jones after a video emerged of him addressing the crowd at a protest in Walthamstow, north London yesterday.

    The Metropolitan Police says officers “are investigating as a matter of urgency”.

    Jones has represented the Princes ward of Dartford since 2019.

  4. Nearly 500 arrested in relation to violent disorder, policing body sayspublished at 14:23 British Summer Time 8 August

    The total number of arrests made in relation to the violent disorder that unfolded following the Southport knife attack now stands at 483, the National Police Chiefs Council says.

    The policing body has also confirmed this afternoon that 149 charges have been brought so far, adding that figure is set to "continue to rise significantly".

    Gavin Stephens, the body's chairman, says police are "working flat out to progress investigations".

    He added: "The criminal justice system is recognising the gravity of these offences to put those responsible behind bars."

  5. Three Plymouth rioters jailed for more than 18 monthspublished at 14:12 British Summer Time 8 August

    Three sentenced criminalsImage source, Devon and Cornwall Police
    Image caption,

    Daniel McGuire, Michael Williams and Lucas Ormond Skeaping all admitted disorder offences

    We can now bring you some more updates on sentencings that have been taking place today, as three men have been jailed for causing violent disorder in Plymouth.

    Daniel McGuire, 45, Lucas Ormond Skeaping, 29, and Michael Williams, 51, were among six arrested after groups of protesters clashed in Plymouth City Centre on Monday evening.

    McGuire was jailed for two years and two months, Williams was jailed for two years and eight months and Skeaping was jailed for one year and six months.

    Judge Robert Linford, sentencing the three men at Plymouth Crown Court, said McGuire was "seen to repeatedly spit at the police" and video footage showed him "swearing and threatening to punch the police".

    McGuire's lawyer said the defendant was "sorry for spitting and he was so ashamed during his interview he could barely watch the video".

    Judge Linford said both McGuire and Williams “added oxygen to the fire of disorder”.

    “The word is going to go out from this court that we don’t want you behaving in this way,” he added. “If you come here and do this you are going inside and you are going inside for a considerable period of time.”

    The judge said that Skeaping did not arrive in Plymouth "looking for a fight".

    "You came to protest and to do so peacefully," he said. "But things rapidly deteriorated."

  6. Couple jailed for two years and two months after Hartlepool unrestpublished at 14:00 British Summer Time 8 August

    Headshots of two men, Steven Mailen and Ryan Sheers admitted violent disorderImage source, Cleveland Police
    Image caption,

    Partners Steven Mailen and Ryan Sheers admitted violent disorder

    A couple who joined a protest in Hartlepool after going to an afternoon bingo session have each been jailed for two years and two months.

    Steven Mailen, 54, of Arch Court, Hartlepool and his partner Ryan Sheers, 29, of Powlett Road, Hartlepool both pleaded guilty to violent disorder after they became involved with a mob on Murray Street on 31 July.

    The group had gathered to target homes used by asylum seekers, Teesside Crown Court heard.

    The pair's lawyer Nigel Soppitt told the court that Mailen, a former postmaster and school governor, "despises those on the far right" while Sheers wanted "no part in the right-wing ideology".

    In an interview, the pair said they had come across the gathering when they went out to buy more drink after bingo and they were sorry for being "cheeky" to officers.

    Prosecutor Rachel Masters said Mailen was one of the "main instigators" of the violence and he had spent more than 10 minutes shouting at police and attempted to "incite the crowd to use violence".

    Mailen ignored police demands to leave, Masters said, and was struck in the leg by an officer with a baton after getting too close, leading to Sheers to shout at officers not to touch him and that he "paid [their] wages".

    External shot of a crowd on a street with one man approaching a police officer and another man to the left sticking his bottom out at policeImage source, Cleveland Police
    Image caption,

    Steven Mailen (in the white circle) and Ryan Sheers (in the beige shorts) were part of a "violent mob", a judge said

  7. Labour councillor suspended after appearing to say rioters' throats should be cutpublished at 13:43 British Summer Time 8 August
    Breaking

    Ricky Jones, the Dartford Labour councilImage source, Dartford Labour Party Council

    A Labour councillor has been suspended by the party after a video circulating online appeared to show he said that the throats of rioters should be cut at a counter demonstration last night.

    Ricky Jones, the Dartford Borough councillor, could also appear to be heard saying in the video that we need "get rid of them all", the PA news agency reported.

    A Labour Party spokesperson says "this behaviour is completely unacceptable and it will not be tolerated".

    The PA news agency understands that Jones has been administratively suspended and the whip has been removed, which means he can no longer be called a Labour councillor.

  8. Bringing you up-to-speed with what's been happening todaypublished at 13:40 British Summer Time 8 August

    It’s been another busy day with some involved in the last week’s unrest being sentenced, as well as new lines from the police and politicians.

    Let's break it down for you:

    • Met Police Commissioner Mark Rowley has said fears of far-right violent disorder were "abated" yesterday evening after anti-racism protesters turned out across the country
    • Policing Minister Diana Johnson told BBC Breakfast earlier that she is "cautiously welcoming" last night's peace, suggesting that police have intelligence about protests planned over the next few days
    • Two men have been jailed for two years and eight months in prison for violent disorder on Merseyside at Liverpool Crown Court
    • On a visit to a mosque in the West Midlands, Prime Minister Keir Starmer told reporters it's "important we don't let up" when it comes to the unrest
    • This afternoon he'll be chairing another Cobra meeting - which aims to co-ordinate the government's response to crises - with law enforcement officials

    Stick with us as we'll bring you updates on that meeting this afternoon.

  9. Northern Ireland Assembly recall from summer recess beginspublished at 13:13 British Summer Time 8 August

    Thomas Copeland
    Live reporter

    Demonstrators outside Stormont
    Image caption,

    Demonstrators gathered outside Stormont this morning

    We can bring you the latest from Belfast now where the Northern Ireland Assembly has been recalled to discuss racially-motivated violence in the city.

    A successful recall petition, put forward by the cross-community Alliance Party, sees MLAs return from their summer break.

    So far we've heard from Justice Minister Naomi Long who has said "there is no place in our society for hate" and that those behind the disorder "will face the full force of the law."

    You can you follow detailed coverage of today's proceedings at Stormont here.

  10. Pictured: The two North West rioters jailed for two years and eight monthspublished at 13:01 British Summer Time 8 August

    John O'Malley (left) and William Nelson Morgan (right)Image source, Merseyside Police
    Image caption,

    John O'Malley (left) and William Nelson Morgan (right)

    John O'Malley, 43, was identified from footage at the riot in Southport on 30 July - with the judge saying he was at the front of a "baying mob".

    William Nelson Morgan, 69, was jailed for his part in unrest in Liverpool on Saturday in which police were attacked and a library was set on fire.

  11. Photos of men wanted over disorder in Hullpublished at 12:48 British Summer Time 8 August

    Composite image of several suspectsImage source, Humberside Police
    Image caption,

    Police are asking people to contact 101 if they recognise any of these men

    Over in Hull, police have released photographs of 14 men they want to speak to following the disorder there on Saturday.

    More than 30 people have so far been arrested after violence broke out following a demonstration involving anti-immigration protesters.

    Three men have appeared before magistrates in Hull this week in connection with the trouble, with more expected in the coming days.

    Humberside Police have asked people to contact them via 101 if they recognise any of the men pictured or have any information that may assist their inquiries. More details and photos here.

  12. PM says sentencings send 'powerful message'published at 12:32 British Summer Time 8 August

    Keir Starmer stands in a mosque and speaks with two representatives with their shoes offImage source, Reuters
    Image caption,

    The PM met members of the community during a visit to a mosque in the West Midlands

    More now from Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, who says the UK didn't see the disorder that many feared last night because "we had police deployed, in numbers, in the right places".

    He also says yesterday's sentencing (of Derek Drummond, 58, who was jailed for three years) sent a "powerful message" that the criminal justice system is working speedily.

    He also says that the work "being done jointly to reassure our communities" is becoming more effective.

  13. Starmer to chair third Cobra meeting this afternoonpublished at 12:21 British Summer Time 8 August

    Media caption,

    Starmer: Rioters will 'feel the full force of the law'

    While the sentencing in Liverpool was happening, Sir Keir Starmer was visiting a mosque in the West Midlands and spoke to reporters afterwards about the unrest.

    He says it's "important that we don't let up" - which is why he'll be chairing another Cobra meeting this afternoon with law enforcement officials.

    Asked what lessons there are to be learned from the disorder, Starmer says the most important lesson is the one which people sentenced to prison will learn.

    "Anybody involving themselves in disorder - whatever they claim as their motive - will feel the full force of the law."

  14. Watch: Moment judge sentences two rioterspublished at 12:10 British Summer Time 8 August

    Cameras were allowed in court for today's sentencing at Liverpool Crown Court.

    You can watch the moment Judge Andrew Menary KC handed down his sentences below:

  15. 'I think it's very sad to see someone your age in dock,' judge sayspublished at 12:08 British Summer Time 8 August

    We have a bit more to bring you from Judge Andrew Menary KC now.

    He’s just sentenced pensioner William Nelson Morgan for his role in last Saturday's riot in Liverpool.

    "Your advancing years plainly did not prevent you from playing an active part in a disturbance on County Road," he says.

    He adds: "I think it is very sad indeed to see someone of your age and character in the dock of a Crown Court."

  16. Second rioter also jailed for two years and eight monthspublished at 11:51 British Summer Time 8 August
    Breaking

    William Nelson Morgan, 69, is jailed for 32 months for violent disorder and six months for possessing an offensive weapon after joining the riot in Liverpool on Saturday. The sentences will run concurrently.

    He was holding a small truncheon and it took three police officers to restrain him, the judge says.

  17. Man jailed for two years and eight months over Southport riotpublished at 11:51 British Summer Time 8 August
    Breaking

    John O'Malley, 43, is jailed for 32 months for violent disorder over the riot outside a Southport mosque on 30 July - the day after the stabbing.

    The judge says O'Malley was at the front of "what was essentially a baying mob" throwing bricks and wheelie bins.

    "You were at the front and participating enthusiastically."

  18. Watch live as judge begins sentencingpublished at 11:35 British Summer Time 8 August

    Judge Andrew Menary KC
    Image caption,

    Judge Andrew Menary KC begins by running through the context leading up to the riots

    Judge Andrew Menary KC is about to hand down the sentences to the two men in the dock.

    John O'Malley, 43, and William Nelson Morgan, 69, are appearing at Liverpool Crown Court after pleading guilty to violent disorder following unrest on Merseyside.

    You can follow along by pressing the watch live button above - and we'll bring you their sentences from court as we get them.

  19. Both defendants want to apologise, lawyer sayspublished at 11:31 British Summer Time 8 August

    Dominic Casciani and Callum May
    Reporting from Liverpool Crown Court

    William Nelson Morgan (left) and John O'Malley (right) in the dock
    Image caption,

    William Nelson Morgan (left) and John O'Malley (right) in the dock

    Paul Lewis, speaking for both defendants [Nelson Morgan and O’Malley], tells the court that after a period of reflection they had realised that there was no grievance that can be righted by mob rule.

    Nelson Morgan, looks down as his lawyer tells the court that he is a widower and retired welder.

    “He has no experience of the custodial sentence that will follow. He accepts that he acted in drink and was disinhibited by the presence of a large crowd.”

    Lewis says O’Malley has no record of public disorder criminality.

    “Both defendants are aware that they will receive sentences that are intended to provide punishment to them and act as a deterrence.

    “Both men want to profoundly apologise not only to the families of those killed in Southport but also to the police... and to the public.”

  20. Three officers had to restrain 69-year-old with bat, court hearspublished at 11:16 British Summer Time 8 August

    Dominic Casciani and Callum May
    Reporting from Liverpool Crown Court

    The second to be sentenced is 69-year-old William Nelson Morgan, of Linton Street, Walton.

    He was convicted on Monday of violent disorder and possessing of a wooden baton as an offensive weapon as a mob rampaged through Liverpool on Saturday. He has no previous convictions.

    Nelson Morgan joined a 100-strong mob that attacked police and property in Walton. During this incident, the Spellow Lane Library was destroyed.

    Chris Taylor, prosecuting, says that when officers saw Nelson Morgan holding a cosh, they advanced – but he resisted arrest.

    Three officers had to use their combined strength to wrestle him to the ground.

    "I’m English, I’m English, leave me alone," Nelson Morgan can be heard shouting on police video.

    "Why are you here?" asks an officer. "Because I live here," he replies.

    After his arrest, Nelson Morgan said the cosh had been for his own protection, stressing that he was almost 70-years-old and what else would they have expected him to do.